Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)
- Appearance: The Copperband Butterflyfish is a visual delight, known for its sleek, white body adorned with vertical orange bands. A distinctive black "eye-spot" near the tail fin adds to its charm, and it has a long, narrow snout perfect for foraging in crevices.
- Habitat in the Wild: Found in shallow reefs and lagoons across the Indo-Pacific region, they are often spotted among coral rubble, exploring with their tube-like mouths.
- Size: Typically grows up to 8 inches (20 cm).
- Diet: In the wild, these fish feed on worms, small crustaceans, and soft corals. In aquariums, they often thrive on live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and bloodworms. Getting them to accept prepared foods can be a challenge.
- Temperament: They're peaceful and can be housed with other non-aggressive fish. However, they may show territorial behavior toward other Butterflyfish.
- Tank Requirements:
- Minimum tank size: 75 gallons.
- Water parameters: pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 74–80°F (23–27°C), specific gravity 1.023–1.026.
- Plenty of live rock is crucial for grazing and hiding spots.
- Care Level: Moderate to difficult. They can be finicky eaters, and adapting to captive conditions requires patience.
- Special Notes: Copperband Butterflyfish are sometimes sought after to control nuisance aiptasia (glass anemones) in reef tanks, but their effectiveness can vary. They should be monitored to ensure they're not nipping at desirable corals or invertebrates.
